Longitudinal Changes in Choroidal Structure Following Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy for Myopia Control:...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Retinal Research

Background:

• Myopia is a growing public health concern in children.
• Repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy has emerged as a potential intervention for myopia control.
• Understanding the structural changes in the choroid is crucial for evaluating myopia control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the longitudinal changes in choroidal structure in myopic children treated with RLRL therapy over 12 months.
• To analyze key choroidal parameters including luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), total choroidal area (TCA), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI).

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (NCT04073238).
• Swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) scans analyzed at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.
• Automated measurement of choroidal parameters using a validated custom tool.

Main Results:

• 143 children (67 RLRL, 76 control) with adequate image quality were included.
• In the RLRL group, all choroidal parameters (LA, SA, TCA) significantly increased after 12 months.
• In contrast, these parameters decreased in the control group, indicating myopia progression.

Conclusions:

• RLRL therapy induces choroidal thickening in myopic children.
• The observed thickening is associated with increased luminal and stromal areas, with a greater increase in luminal area.
• These findings support RLRL therapy as a viable option for myopia management by altering choroidal structure.